The anticipation is growing for the Albert Hotel, opening in Fredericksburg later this year. Operated by New Waterloo (known in Texas for properties like the South Congress Hotel, and in New Mexico for El Rey Court), the new luxury property will feature three new restaurants — and lucky for Fredericksburg natives and visitors alike, an acclaimed Texas chef will be behind them all.
Located at 213 East Austin St. Albert Hotel is a historic preservation effort with four late-19th century buildings and a newly constructed hotel featuring 109 guest rooms, a sunken pool, full-service spa, and versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces. Michael Fojtasek will lead the restaurants, which will run the gamut from gourmet dining experience (the Restaurant at Albert Hotel) to market-style deli (The Pharmacy) to backyard barbecue spot (Junebug's BBQ).
The name behind Austin concepts Olamaie and Maie Day, Fojtasek is a three-time James Beard ‘Best Chef, Southwest’ finalist. He'll be joined by New Waterloo's Head of Food and Beverage, Justin Spencer, as well as its Director of Culinary Projects, Amanda Rockman.
“The culinary program at Albert Hotel is driven by our love of Central Texas and the Hill Country,” says Fojtasek in a release. “It's a dream come true to be working in a town with so much history and beauty. My vision for the culinary program is built upon respect for the rich traditions of the area and our desire to bring a level of warmth and excellence to the hotel.”
A reflection of the Texas Hill Country way of life, The Restaurant at Albert Hotel will use the best regional ingredients in its rotating seasonal menus. Highlights will include a local spring salad with ranch dressing, a lamb rack with horseradish, and a spring melange with spaetzle. The deep and wide-ranging wine list will feature a robust selection of local and international labels, and the restaurant will be open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Housed in the historic Brockmann-Kiehne house on Austin Street, Junebug's BBQ will offer hand-rubbed meats by the pound. Spencer will lead the concept, bringing his experience as a competition barbecue pitmaster. His team’s accolades over the past 15 years range from “18th Best Brisket in the World” to “Best Chicken Wings” at Memphis in May, and multiple other national titles.
Last but not least, The Pharmacy at Albert Hotel will be the property's Main Street-facing concept. Featuring an artisanal market offering a daily breakfast and lunch menu, the Pharmacy will also carry hand-made goods, locally-sourced treats, and thoughtful gifts. Rockman will lead the concept's house-made pastry and bread program: "The Pharmacy will bring a product to Fredericksburg that is both unique and represents the Texas spirit and experience," she shared via release.
The entire project is designed by Clayton Korte and located on a two-acre site, spanning 242 to 248 East Main Street. A dedicated, two-level 160 space parking garage will be located directly across East Austin Street, while the hotel itself is tucked away behind the original historic buildings, creating a peaceful escape with quiet sophistication just off bustling Main Street.
The grounds will also include the historic White Elephant Saloon, a private dining room, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and a 2,000 square-foot full-service spa. An official opening date has not yet been set, but eager followers can stay up to date on Instagram and Facebook at @Albert_Hotel_TX.
Photo by Jody Horton
The Albert Hotel will feature three new restaurants and a historic saloon.
